Do you need a restraining order to protect you from further abuse? If so, listen up...
In California, the police can issue you an Emergency Protective Order when they arrive at the scene and find that you are in immediate and present danger based on your allegation of recent abuse or threat of abuse.
Once you have the Emergency Protective Order, you will need to seek a Domestic Violence Restraining Order with the Superior Court of California. For example, women living in Los Angeles county would go to the Los Angeles Superior Court to obtain a domestic violence restraining order.
In Los Angeles, at your first court hearing the judge typically decides whether to issue you a temporary restraining order and then sets the case for another hearing approximately 3 weeks later. At that second hearing, the judge will hear live testimony (so bring your witnesses) and consider whether the evidence supports granting you a restraining order which could last up to 5 years and later be subject to renewal for up to 5 years or permanently (this renewal is not automatic).
When filing your request for a restraining order be specific about the abuse. Instead of stating "I was abused" state "He punched me in the face" or "kicked my leg." Being specific about the abuse will help your case.
I will be writing a series of articles on domestic violence restraining orders so stay tuned...
Take care,
Pam
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